4 players each have hat tricks to account for 13 goals in the 21-11 win over Buffalo.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Round One goes to the Rochester Knighthawks.
The Knighthawks dominated the Buffalo Bandits from the outset in taking a 5-0 lead enroute to a 21-11 victory Saturday night before 7,272 fans at the Connors & Ferris Field at the Blue Cross Arena.
Four K-hawks scored hat tricks and accounted for 13 goals. Kyle Jackson led the way with 4 goals as Dan Dawson, Cory Vitarelli, and Joe Resetarits each netted 3 markers. Dawson paced the team with 9 points as Resetarits finished with 8 points.
Jackson and Resetarits each tallied twice in the 5-goal first quarter as Rochester (2-0) established a 13-5 halftime advantage.
Cody Jamieson and Dawson each amassed 6 assists to lead the team in that category.
Scott Campbell and rookie Eric Fannell scored 2 goals apiece as Graeme Hossack, Dylan Evans, rookie Jake Withers, and Josh Currier each netted one goal.
Cory Vitarelli also totaled 6 points with 3 goals and 3 assists.
Matt Vinc recorded 55 saves as Buffalo outshot Rochester, 66-50.
Mitch Jones paced the Bandits (1-1) with 5 points (3g, 2a) as former Rochester Rattler Dhane Smith collected 4 (1g, 3a) points.
Rochester and Buffalo will meet 2 more times this season.
The Knighthawks will be on the road for their next 2 games. They return to the BCA on Saturday, Jan. 13 against the New England Black Wolves.